Normally when I see something sTylIzeD LiKe ThIs, I don’t take them seriously. However Lee Harvey Osmond deserves some attention so I refuse to refer to him as LeE HARVeY OsMOND.

The Folk Sinner is the second album from the brainchild of Tom Wilson of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings. That isn’t to say it is a solo record by any means. The album calls upon many collaborators. “Big Chief” features the lovely voice of Suzie Ungerleider aka Oh Susanna. Other collaborators include Hawksley Workman, Colin Lindin, Cowboy Junkies, Skydiggers and more. With so many guests there is plenty of musical variation. There’s the saxophone and flute in “Freedom”, the vibraphone in “Honey Runnin'” and of course harmonica galore in the playful “Devil’s Load”.

I struggled with the term “acid folk” which they use to describe their sound but when I heard “Break Your Body” or “Easy”, I understood it. These tunes are smooth and seems to slow down time as you’re listening.

The album begins with a cover of Gordon Lightfoot’s “Oh, Linda” showcasing Tom’s crooning voice over an acoustic double bass line and some hand clapping. Every song on the The Folk Sinner leads to another that contrasts the one preceding making this a rather intriguing listen.

About The Author

Tiana is the owner, editor and concert photographer of Ride the Tempo. She works new media in the music industry during the day and also serves on the FACTOR, Polaris Prize and Prism Prize jury. Visit her personal blog at tianafeng.com.
Twitter: @tianafeng